He said: “Thankfully none of the people in the house were injured but the fire has caused significant damage to the house as well as the shed in the garden. At this stage the motive has still to be established.

“Limefield Crescent is a residential area and although at this time of night there may not have been people out in the street, it is quite possible people in the houses around the area may have seen something out of the ordinary, someone they didn’t recognise hanging about or indeed who started the fire.

“Anyone with information about the incident should contact Livingstone CID via the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where details can be given in confidence.